As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Mercedes-AMG, the performance division of Mercedes-Benz is unveiling the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.

Slotted between the range-topping AMG GT R coupe and the GT S, the new GT C coupe is basically the hard-top (solid roof) version of the AMG GT C Roadster – with several similarities in looks and specs.

However, the new GT C coupe is only available as special Edition 50 model.

Exterior Design

As the images indicate, the front end of the new AMG GT C is marked by the AMG Panamericana grille that made its standard production debut on the new AMG GT R. This forward-inclined AMG Panamericana grille – featuring 15 chrome-plated vertical fins evoking the looks of the new AMG GT3 racing car – takes inspiration from the Mercedes‑Benz 300 SL racing car that dominated the Panamericana road race in Mexico in 1952.

This grille and the low-slung front section of GT C coupe result to a visually lower on-the-road stance while creating a distinct V-shaped "shark nose" impression. This shark nose shape helps decrease the level of back-pressure point for a better flow of cooling air and better aerodynamic performance.

The front bumper of new AMG GT C Coupe has integrated jet engine-like large outer air intakes helping ensure a steady flow of air for cooling down its drive system. Each intake features an aerodynamically shaped horizontal fin.

Just like the GT R, the new GT C Coupe features muscular rear end, large wheels, a wider rear track and active rear axle steering. Moreover, the rear aerofoil in the GT C Coupe is now integrated into the luggage compartment flap. Depending on the selected drive program, this aerofoil is electrically extended or retracted at pre-set determined. Overall, the new AMG GT C Coupe is more aggressively styled and powered than the GT S, but pales in comparison in these areas to the range-topping AMG GT R.

Powertrain

In terms of power, the AMG GT C Coupe dominates all other AMG GT family, except for the AMG GT R. It is as powerful as the GT C Roadster.

The version of the AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine fitted in the AMG GT C Coupe and Roadster is rated to generate up to 550 hp of output and up to 502 lb.-ft. of torque and mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

This level of power allows the GT C Coupe to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and achieve a top speed of 196 mph (315 km/).

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C Edition 50

In its initial form as the AMG GT C Edition 50, this coupe is wrapped in the designo Graphite Grey Magno exclusive special paint finish. Added elements include black chrome highlights on the front splitter, side skirt trim and trim strips in the grilled air inlets.

Black chrome highlights are also found on the side air outlets in the front fenders and exhaust tailpipe trims. The rear end of this special model is marked by a “Edition 50” badge.

Mercedes-AMG celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2017. To the theme of "50 Years of Driving Performance," the performance brand is marking the occasion by extending the AMG GT family of sports cars with the new Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe, which will join the previously-announced AMG GT C Roadster upon its reveal at the 2017 North American International Auto Show. Positioned between the AMG GT S and AMG GT R, the new vehicle will initially be available exclusively as a special Edition 50 model. At the same time, the Mercedes-AMG GT and AMG GT S are being visually and technically upgraded while receiving even more power.

"With the AMG GT C Coupe, we are now expanding our portfolio of sports cars to six models plus the AMG GT3 customer sport racing car. In fewer than three years, the second vehicle to be developed by us entirely in-house has grown into a family, offering a highly dynamic driving experience in a variety of forms. We are kicking off our anniversary year with the exclusive ‘Edition 50’ model of the new AMG GT C Coupe. We are also taking this opportunity to refine the AMG GT and AMG GT S, both visually and technically," says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑A MG GmbH.

Shared distinguishing feature: the new front end

All new 2018 models in the AMG GT family are now identifiable by the distinctive AMG Panamericana grille. Underlining motor sport heritage, the grille features 15 chrome-plated vertical bars which echo the look of the latest Mercedes-AMG GT3 customer sport racing car. The new front bumper emphasizes the car's width, making it visually sit lower to the road. The large outer air inlets guarantee the supply of cooling air to the engine.

Now on all AMG GT models: AIRPANEL active air management system from the AMG GT R

All AMG GT variants now sport a special technical highlight from the AMG GT R: the AIRPANEL active air management system. Vertical louvers in the bottom of the front bumper can be opened and closed by an electric motor in around one second to guarantee the required amount of cooling. Constantly achieving the ideal position calls for highly intelligent and fast control.

During normal driving situations with no increased cooling demand, the louvers are closed for reduced drag and the air is directed at the underbody, which improves the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle. Only when certain components reach predefined temperatures and the air demand is particularly high do the louvers open to allow the maximum cooling air flow to the heat exchangers.

As part of this new design measure, the engine oil cooler on all AMG GT models has moved from the front to the wheel arches.

New output variants: the AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine

Mercedes-AMG is restructuring the range of output/torque variants of the 4.0L V8 biturbo engine, hence the AMG GT entry-level model now puts out 469 hp (13 hp more than before). In addition, with 465 lb-ft, the basic version of the eight-cylinder machine now delivers an extra 22 lb-ft of peak torque. The same figures will apply to the GT Roadster from its market launch.

The output from the GT S grows by 12 hp to 515 hp, with the peak torque climbing to 494 lb-ft, a 15 lb-ft increae.

The next level is marked by the GT C variants of the Coupe and Roadster with 550 hp and 502 lb-ft peak torque. The pinnacle of the AMG GT lineup is the AMG GT R, which boasts 577 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.

Further-enhanced driving dynamics: the new AMG GT C

Like the Roadster unveiled at the Paris Auto Show, the new AMG GT C Coupe impresses with further-enhanced driving dynamics courtesy of numerous technical highlights from the Mercedes-AMG GT R. The new GT C Coupe will launch in the form of a special ‘Edition 50’ model. Like the AMG GT R, the new member of the family is identifiable by its broad, muscular rear end and large wheels. Other technical measures include a wider rear track and active rear axle steering.

The new rear fenders make the AMG GT C a total of 2.25 inches wider than the AMG GT and AMG GT S, giving it exactly the same dimension as the AMG GT R at the rear of the car. The muscular styling creates space for larger wheels and a wider track. Both measures increase traction while allowing higher cornering speeds. The likewise wider rear bumper of the AMG GT C improves the airflow at the rear. In common with the AMG GT and AMG GT S, the rear aerofoil is integrated into the luggage compartment flap and is electrically extended or retracted at predetermined speeds, depending on the selected drive program.

Borrowed from motor sports: the AMG sport suspension

The AMG sport suspension, too, confirms the motor racing heritage of the AMG GT family. Wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers on the front and rear axles are made entirely from forged aluminum to reduce unsprung mass. In addition, the wheels are located by double wishbones. The resulting camber and track stability allows high cornering speeds while giving the driver optimum, highly precise road feedback right up to the very high cornering limits.

In the AMG GT C Coupe and Roadster, AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension is combined with infinitely variable, adaptive adjustable damping. The electronically controlled system automatically adapts the damping on each wheel to the driving situation, speed and road conditions.

Even greater agility: active rear-axle steering from the AMG GT R

The new Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe responds even more sensitively thanks to the standard-fit active rear-axle steering, which made its debut in the Mercedes-AMG GT R and is also standard equipment on the GT C Roadster. The system allows an even better combination of agility and stability – handling characteristics that are normally in opposition to each other.

Up to a speed of 62mph, the rear wheels point in the opposite direction relative to the front wheels allowing the AMG GT C to turn into corners with significantly higher agility, delivering even greater driving pleasure while requiring less steering effort. Under everyday driving conditions, the driver also benefits from a smaller turning circle.

Once the speed of the AMG GT C rises above 62 mph, the system points the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels for perceptibly improved handling. At the same time, the lateral force on the rear wheels builds up considerably faster on changes of direction, this speeding up the response to the steering. The driver also notices that the car delivers massive rear-axle grip and high stability on fast changes in direction, without the usual tendency for the rear end to break out.

Standard equipment: rear-axle limited-slip differential

In common with the AMG GT S and AMG GT R, the AMG GT C comes as standard with an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential, which is integrated into the compact transmission housing. Its sensitive and fast control raises vehicle dynamics to a new level. It not only further improves the traction of the drive wheels, but also increases the critical cornering speed.

Exclusive equipment package: AMG GT C Edition 50

The new AMG GT C Coupe will launch as an exclusive special ‘ Edition 50’ model to mark the landmark year of the company, which was founded in 1967 and will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2017. The U.S. Edition 50 model will come to market with an exclusive production run of 50 AMG GT C Coupes and 50 AMG GT C Roadsters.

The Edition 50 will be available in and exclusive special paint finish: designo Graphite Grey Magno. To give the exterior a distinctive look, black chrome highlights are applied to the side skirt trim, front splitter, trim strips in the air inlets of the Panamericana grille, fins on the side air outlets in the front fenders, the molding on the rear diffuser and exhaust tailpipe trims. The surface of the cross-spoke AMG forged wheels has been harmonized with the black chrome elements of the exterior. A unique “Edition 50” badge adorns the rear of this model.

The interior is marked by a contrast between black and silver. This color scheme is followed not only by the trim in exclusive nappa leather in silver pearl/black with grey diamond-patterned contrasting topstitching, but also by the black AMG Performance steering wheel in full DINAMICA microfiber with grey contrasting topstitching, "Edition" lettering on the steering wheel bezel and 12 o'clock mark in silver pearl.

The interplay between light and dark is further accentuated by silver seat belts and black chrome trim. The head restraint of the AMG Performance seat is embossed with a "GT Edition 50" logo.

New options for AMG GT and AMG GT S

In addition to a technical upgrade courtesy of active aerodynamics, higher output/torque and active rear-axle steering, the update of the AMG GT model family also includes significant additions to the scope of equipment.

The AMG Interior Night package, which is equipped as standard on the AMG GT R, is now optionally available for other Coupe models within the AMG GT family. This package includes the AMG Performance steering wheel in DINAMICA microfiber with spokes and shift paddles in high-gloss black. The cross-strut in the luggage compartment as well as the trim in the backrest of the standard AMG Performance seats are also in high-gloss black. The package is rounded off by stainless-steel door sill panels in black, optionally illuminated with AMG lettering.

Motor sport heritage is further visually accentuated by the AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber package, which uses high-grade carbon fiber for the front splitter, side fins on the air outlets in the front fenders, exterior mirror housings, side skirt inserts (AMG GT C only) and rear diffuser.

Wider choice of individual equipment items

The new individual equipment items, along with the power output, increases and new visual updates for the AMG GT and AMG GT S, also means a significant upgrade for the sports cars.

Also new are light-alloy wheels with mixed tires, such as the 5-twin-spoke staggered fitment 19-and-20-inch wheels, painted in high-sheen titanium grey with 265/35 R 19 tires on the front and 295/30 R 20 tires at the rear. Available later in the model year are 5-twin-spoke staggered fitment 19-and-20-inch wheels, painted in high-sheen matt black.

The new optional Exclusive nappa leather trim in diamond-patterned macchiato beige is now also available to give an especially high-grade look & feel to the AMG GT and AMG GT S. Comfort in hot climates is also heightened by optional ventilated driver and passenger seating for the standard AMG Performance seat.

AMG Track Pace for use on the race track

The new AMG Track Pace feature is optionally available for the entire AMG GT family. It turns the smartphone into a personal racing engineer. Customers can use the app to analyze and improve their driving style on the track as well as sharing with other AMG drivers on Facebook, YouTube or the AMG Private Lounge.

The app for the Apple iPhone® connects to the AMG GT models by WiFi. The vehicle then sends a host of data to the app in real-time, such as speed, gear, steering angle, time, position and acceleration.

Lap or sector times on race tracks can be saved. Numerous track profiles are already stored on the app for this purpose. Drivers can also record and save additional race tracks themselves. In addition, the Apple iPhone® camera records the performance on the race track, the driver then receiving an interactive video of their racing experience with all the telemetry data superimposed.